Munster suffers Crowley blow before Champions Cup opener

Munster will be without key out-half Jack Crowley for their crucial Champions Cup opener against Bath. Crowley sustained a leg injury in last weekend's United Rugby Championship defeat to the Stormers and is expected to be out for one to two weeks, a significant blow to the team's preparations.

Head coach Clayton McMillan has responded to the loss by implementing five changes to the starting lineup. This reshuffling comes after Munster suffered their first defeat of the season in their recent URC match. Former Leinster prop Michael Ala'alatoa, a recent signing from Clermont Auvergne, is set to make his Munster debut, appearing off the bench.

JJ Hanrahan will step in to replace Crowley, partnering Craig Casey in the half-backs. The backline sees further adjustments with the inclusion of Dan Kelly. In the pack, Jean Kleyn returns from international duty with South Africa, and he is set to start alongside Michael Milne and John Hodnett. The team aims to rebound strongly despite these changes.